en; it was bigger than many churches put together; the
word "Palace" came into his head--it transcended all his preconceived
ideas of palaces: yet in such a palace only could dwell the radiant and
sweet-smelling lady of his dream. The certainty gave him a curious
satisfaction.

They arrived at the spot where the marquees were erected, and at once
began the traditional routine of the school treat-games for the girls,
manlier sports for the boys. Lord Chudley, patron of the living of St.
Luke's, Bludston, and Lord Bountiful of the feast, had provided
swing-boats and a merry-go-round which discoursed infernal music to
enraptured ears. Paul stood aloof for a while from these delights, his
eye on the section of the girls among whom his goddess moved. As soon
as she became detached and he could approach her without attracting
notice, he crept within the magic circle of the scent and lay down
prone, drinking in its intoxication, and, as she moved, he wriggled
toward her on his stomach like a young snake.

After a time she came near him. "Why aren't you playing with the other
boys?" she asked.

Paul sat on his heels. "Dunno, miss," he said shyly.

She glanced at his rapscallion attire, blushed, and blamed herself for
the tactless question. "This is a beautiful place, isn't it?"

"It's heavenly," said Paul, with his eyes on her.

"One scarcely wants to do anything but just-just-well, be here." She
smiled.

He nodded and said, "Ay!" Then he grew bolder. "I like being alone," he
declared defiantly.

"Then I'll leave you," she laughed.

The blood flushed deep under his unwashed olive skin, and he leaped to
his feet. "Aw didn't mean that!" he protested hotly. "It wur them other
boys."

She was touched by his beauty and quick sensitiveness. "I was only
teasing. I'm sure you like being with me."

Paul had never heard such exquisite tones from human lips. To his ears,
accustomed to the harsh Lancashire burr, her low, accentless voice was
music. So another of his senses was caught in the enchantment.

"Yo' speak so pretty," said he.

At that moment a spruce but perspiring young teacher came up. "We're
going to have some boys' races, miss, and we want the ladies to look
on. His lordship has offered prizes. The first is a boys' race-under
eleven."

"You can join in that, anyhow," she said to Paul. "Go along and let me
see you win."

Paul scudded off, his heart aflame, his hand, as he ran, tucking in the
shirt whose ev